Visiting Britain

Information that may be useful if you are considering visiting the United Kingdom on a hunting, shooting or fishing trip

As part of the European Community, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (to give the country its full title) has fairly relaxed customs and immigration formalities, especially if you are travelling from other EC nations. Even from the rest of the world, bona fide visitors who intent staying in the UK for short vacation periods will find the formalities straightforward. You are certainly unlikely to encounter the intimidating demeanor of American immigration officials. To be absolutely sure, check with the British Embassy in your own country 3 months before travelling.

There are no special health precautions for people visiting Britain. Standards of food hygiene are rigorously enforced and mains tap water is safe to drink. There is only one poisonous snake (the adder) but you are most unlikely to encounter one, even on heather moorland, and none of the British wild animals are considered to be dangerous under normal conditions.

If you intend shooting in the United Kingdom you will need to observe certain formalities. To bring a shotgun or rifle into the country, or to purchase one in Britain, you will require a Visitor Permit issued by the Police Authority of the area of the person who is sponsoring your visit. You will also require to produce this permit when purchasing ammunition. There is no general hunting licence or compulsory conservation stamp in the UK but a Game Licence is required if you intend shooting game species (see Quarry Species) . If you are hunting under a programme organised by a reputable sporting agent, such as Hendry Ramsay and Wilcox, the agent should arrange Visitor permits and Game Licences for you. Handguns are not permitted in Britain.

There are no public hunting areas in Britain other than on certain stretches of foreshore (for wildfowl only). Unauthorised entry to private ground while in possession of a shotgun or firearm is a very serious offence, punishable by lengthy prison sentences.

Your agent will also advise you about legal restrictions on shotgun usage and on matters such as minimum rifle calibres for deer stalking. (also see our Law page)

Trout and Salmon fishing is generally privately owned in Britain and permits are required. These may be issued by riparian owners, angling clubs, municipal authorities and fishery managers. If your fishing is organised by a sporting agent, he should obtain all the necessary permits you may need. Otherwise, fishing tackle shops are a useful source of local information. On some day ticket waters, the permit is implicit in the booking fee. In England and Wales, a water authority licence may also be required.

Return to British Fieldsports Information Index for more information about hunting, shooting and fishing in the UK
Go to Hendry Ramsay and Waters main website for the internet's best range of sporting opportunities in Britain and the country's top online shop for shooting accessories and fishing tackle